I thought it as one of my only chances to meet the legend during my internship here in Summer. Went up to his assistants desk a week ago and took an appointment to meet on 2nd July, 2008.
Fast Forward>>
Considering that I sit a floor lower than his desk but in exact same place and that the stairs are right opposite my desk made it an easy excess. Also Stan doesn't have doors to his space.
I was bang on 5 minutes earlier than the meeting time to start. His assistant asked me to go ahead. Hesitating I said "But Mam it's still 5 minutes to 9". Pat came reply "catch him whenever you can." I agreed. First step towards his desk and I realized he was on call. Turned back and I realized he was off the call. Anyways so the meeting starts at 9.
We settle down after greeting each other.
Then comes the moment of truth, book review.
Sitting on the other end, my eyes were playing ping pong off my book back to his face. Capturing his reactions.
Stan: Let me go through this and I will comment at end.
Jini: Sure
He scans through the whole book and makes an overall comment
Stan: I like it. I can tell from what I see that you have an edge over your classmates cause you are strong at design and artistic sense. (Filps couple of pages then...) I like this concept (Aeron Chair) but it doesn't make business sense. (Filps page) (Macco) I can relate to the third ad (Steve Mcqueen) but the first one is confusing, what do you think? (trying to see if I have my own opinion or just agree with him)
Jini: Well it is the other way round for me. Since I don't belong to that era of Steve Mcqueen movies nor did I grow up seeing it, I relate less to it then the others which are more global.
Smiles.
The interview continues with constructive criticism and generous words of optimism.
Encourages the broad media usage. Spending so much time with an intern just to go over their book says how much he respects young talent. I take a deep breath as I move ahead for the day but feel so encouraged and inspired. Finally someone who asked me to believe in my design abilities and not lose it in advertising but influence the way Art Directors work.
Overall just sitting across the table with a legend is a memory in itself. Even at 75 he is as young as a teenage boy. From what I hear he can surprise you with his knowledge on latest music bands and their songs. Or the various games that he makes the visiting clients play with the staff reflect how he rides with the world today. I have immense respect for him since I have seen very few Art Directors become such successful entrepreneurs.
I love the culture of being organized that has been instilled in the agency, The Richards Group which makes it function so efficiently, even the creatives.
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